The problem with a unity ticket is that there would be no unity … after the election.

Many people, even Andrew Sullivan, are saying it would be a guaranteed win in November if Obama chose Clinton as his VP. I agree that it would increase the likelihood of a McCain defeat and would make many Clinton supporters quite appeased. However, if there’s anything to learn from listening to Barack it’s that we have to adjust how we go about governing. And although a joint ticket might mean an easy win it might also mean a hard time in office.

Between her past that comes back to haunt her frequently, Bill’s odd post-presidential behavior and dealings and most importantly, her status games. She has a tendency to dominate which some see as strength but I see it as her missing one important facet of leadership.

A good leader knows when to follow and how.

She doesn’t seem to understand that, or else she would have been more gracious to Obama in her speech on Tueday night. After all, the man has never said an ill word against her (his supporters are not his own voice), he has praised her at every opportunity and even pulled her chair out for her at the end of some of those fun debates – despite her attacks against him personally in those same debates. He has been a gentlemen the entire time. An example of how to treat your opponents – with respect.

It didn’t feel very respectful for her to not tell the Obama campaign of her plan to exit. It didn’t feel respectful for her to mention RFK’s assassination the way she did and not apologize to Obama himself for the perception it created. It didn’t feel respectful for her to stay in the race this long, even though nothing has changed for months. Let’s face it, every primary she won in the last month or two, he won one, often the same night, usually negating her gains. (after all why couldn’t she close the deal in Oregon? – one might spin)

Could all the money she’s forced him to spend and all that money she’s gone into debt over – could all that money have been used for a greater goal? Perhaps the general election? Doesn’t sound like she respects the process or the party or the country. Now is not the time for anyone to incur more debt.

So as much as I agree having her on the ticket would be an easy solution – it is not the right solution – not for America and not for Barack. He needs a partner not an adversary. He needs an ally not someone who would cause friction in the executive branch.

We often are too focused on our short term goals and not our long term solutions. A problem that has permeated our government and led to great loss of status around the world. Our economy is a wreck. We’re at war. Things are not good and nothing quick can fix that, not even a summer gas tax break.

It takes work and compromise. After all, are we Americans or are we defined by out political party solely?

This makes the dream ticket, in reality, something of a day dream.